Drive by, not Drive Through - ThinnerTimes

wlcasper · 07-12-2005, 03:27 PM

I was at my Plastic Surgeons for a re-check on my TT today. One of the surgeons that shares this office performs Bariatric surgery at Sharp. I picked up his newsletter there and found a great article inside by Dr. Mednitsky who is a psycologist that works with their practice. Thought I would pass along part of her article:

"DRIVE BY, NO DRIVE THROUGH"

"You may want to pause for a moment and go through the following dialogue. Is giving into this temptation worth it? If you give into it this time, it will be that much easier to do the next and the next and the next. And pretty soon you will be right back where you started from. Remember how you felt the last time you got on a scale or how much you enjoyed fitting into normal size clothes? Now imagine yourself driving past your favorite restraunt or convienience store, seeing yourself becoming stronger and more in control the further away you drive. Breaking the emotional attachment between your favorite foods can be much like the process of divorce or seperation. The relationship may have started out to be rewarding and nurturing, but sadly it has ended up becoming largely destructive and limiting. After gastric bypass surgery, you must remain on guard, mindful of the possible temptations, so that you do not slip back into old patterns. I once worked with a woman who sadly regained 35 lbs. One year after her weight loss surgery. It all started with what seemed to be an innocent taste of her favorite ice cream. After all, she thought she deserved to reward herself for losing 104 lbs. Since her surgery date, she had become quite comfortable with her reduced weight and new appearance. However ice cream was one of her triggers and she clearly was not able to stop with one teaspoon. Food can prove to be a dangerous reward after gastric bypass surgery."

This was so important to me because I was finding myself eating more and more of the carb smart ice cream. In fact the other night I ate a whole quart. Ice cream is a trigger food for me, I always ate a bowl every night before bed. I am learning now that I am out 16 months that I sureashell can get away with a lot of things that my sweet wife who is 8 weeks out cannot. I also have found that a little time daily visualizing what may take place that day temptation wise helps me to get over the hurdles. Dr Potts fixed my body not my brain and I realize this is going to be hard work every day for the rest of my life!

Jeanie · 07-12-2005, 03:36 PM

Thanks for sharing that with us. It really couldn't have been posted at a better time for me.

Blueyz · 07-12-2005, 03:38 PM

Thanks Bill for posting this...it reminds me to always remember where I came from and that it is so easy to be tempted in going back to old habits.

bridgetgirl · 07-12-2005, 03:47 PM

Trigger foods, totally forgot about that term altogether, and how one lil taste, lick, bite or slurp can be harmful. Thanks for the reminder pal! Im going to search that word and get more articles.

I was talking with a gal today who is 4 years post op with Dr C and she has regained 35 pounds and she is terrified...... she admits to not making the best food choices and not exercising. Thank you for your wake up call as well as hers.. bye bye Doritos I will miss you!

pambragg · 07-12-2005, 03:58 PM

Bill,
Bless your little pea-picking part! This was very timely for me and I really needed the reminder not to give in to temptation and to choose the right foods. Thanks so much.

LizardQueen · 07-12-2005, 04:42 PM

Great article and excellent reminder of the need to make good choices everyday and not just somedays! Thanks!

wlcasper · 07-12-2005, 05:15 PM

Oh I have triggers; Ice cream & potato chips (inherited from my Mother and her midnight snacking, I am sure). Also last Saturday I was in the ER with my 22 year old, been sick for 2 weeks...finally found out he had mono. Well the stress of those 6 hours were well you know what I am saying. I saw a nurse with a Diet Vanilla Pepsi, man I wanted one...got past that one but when I came home that's when I had the Carb Smart Ice Cream encounter. Sorry to keep coming back but I need to vent some...thanks everyone for your help?

bridgetgirl · 07-13-2005, 10:09 AM

When i am stressed or irritated I feel totally compelled to EAT! Its usually not one of my planned meals either so I find myself downstairs at the pharmacy getting something thats NOT string cheese! Hey, maybe I will buy a bag and keep them here at work... its all good!